For and in order to are both used to express purpose, but they are used in different ways.
1. For + Noun
We use for before a noun or noun phrase.
Structure:
- for + noun
Examples:
- I went to the shop for some milk.
- This tool is for cutting wood.
- She studies English for her job.
2. In Order To + Verb
We use in order to before a base verb.
Structure:
- in order to + verb
Examples:
- I went to the shop in order to buy some milk.
- This tool is used in order to cut wood.
- She studies English in order to get a better job.
Common Mistake
❌ I went to the shop for buy some milk.
✅ I went to the shop in order to buy some milk.
✅ I went to the shop for some milk.
For vs In Order To
| For | In Order To |
|---|---|
| Followed by a noun | Followed by a verb |
| for a job | in order to get a job |
| for practice | in order to practice |
| for information | in order to find information |
Summary
- Use for + noun.
- I need a pen for my exam.
- Use in order to + verb.
- I need a pen in order to write my exam.
Tip: If the next word is a noun, use for. If the next word is a verb, use in order to.
Exercise:
1. I’m studying very hard at the moment forso as not totoI don’t know pass my exams next month.
2. I bought a dictionary toin order not toforI don’t know help with my vocabulary.
3. I went to bed early so as not toso thatin order not toI don’t know I wouldn’t be tired in the morning.
4. I have to get up early. I set the alarm for five o’clock in order not toso as toin order toI don’t know oversleep.
5. I waited for an hour so as not toso thatforI don’t know I could meet her.
6. Some people do not eat before exercises in order not totoin order toI don’t know feel nauseated.
7. Do exercise regularly for to in order toin order not toI don’t know have excellent health and well-being.
8. My sister gave English lessons in order not toin order toso as not toI don’t know earn some pin money.
9. Jenny is a very nice person. She is always prompt to / so as not toforI don’t know help her friends.
10. They took the taxi toso as not toin order toI don’t know waste time.
11. I’m going to Australia toso as not toin order toI don’t know forget my English.
12. Make sure your bags are tagged for thatso as not toso thatI don’t know you can identify them later.